From 1 February 2022 there are some important changes to note for those travelling to Spain
The new rules will apply to those aged 12 or over, and appear to be stricter than before.
Spain will now only permit tourists to enter Spain who can prove they were fully vaccinated against Covid within the last 270 days (approximately 9 months), and anyone who received their second dose before that period will need to have had a third booster jab at least 14 days prior to travel to be allowed entry to Spain. This is apparently due to Spain seeking to comply with new European Commission rules so we may see changes in other European countries too.
A "negative Covid test and proof of recovery" will no longer be accepted as a valid form of entry, but Spain will accept the UK’s NHS Covid Pass as proof of vaccination status.
There are specific rules on which vaccines are authorised too.
In addition, Spain will require all children over 12 to be fully vaccinated, which is likely to affect a number of children in the UK between the ages of 12 to 17 who may not have been double jabbed.
Travellers to Spain will also now need to provide a negative lateral flow test 24 hours before departing, rather than the 48 hours which was required before 1 February.
Spain still does not allow unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers to enter Spain as tourists.
It is also worth mentioning that in Spain many of the popular tourist destinations including the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands and the Costa del Sol, also now have strict Covid regulations in many areas with facemasks being mandatory indoors, restrictions on the number of people- who can congregate together as well as requirements for "vaccine passports".
However, it is hoped that some of these restrictions may be lifted in time for the half term holidays later this month which would be welcome news for the travel industry, and for prospective travellers who may be more confused about what is needed for travel and enjoying a trip to Spain whether to the mainland or islands.
